Planning and Designing a Successful Web Site - New Perspectives on Adobe Dreamweaver CS5, Comprehensive - page 50

Managing Web Site Projects
Because Web sites are fairly large projects, it is a good idea to consider assigning a
project manager to oversee the project and to coordinate the efforts of the various team
members. Before the project begins, the project manager will create a project plan that
outlines the project's scope, phases, tasks, due dates, and resource allocations and then
present that plan to the team. Most Web site project plans are divided into the follow-
ing phases: planning and analysis, designing, building, testing, and implementation or
launching. Each phase includes a list of deliverables that are due during that phase of the
project. For example, during the design phase of the project, the Art Department might
have to deliver two completed aesthetic designs for the site.
Gage is the project manager for the NextBest Fest project. He will coordinate the
efforts of the various team members and assign responsibilities and due dates during the
project.

Creating a Plan for a New Web Site
Whether you are part of an in-house Web team or an independent designer hired to cre-
ate a Web site, the fi rst order of business for designing a professional Web site is to deter-
mine the goals and purpose, the target audience, and the expectations for the site. You
obtain this information from the client , the person or persons for whom you are creating
the site, and through the research you conduct during the planning phase of site design.
This process usually requires a series of meetings and a considerable amount of time.
These client meetings and initial time are a crucial part of the planning process
because it is impossible to design a Web site that will effectively meet the client's needs
until you determine exactly what those needs are. You should explain clearly to the client
what information you will need from him or her and what value his or her contribution
will make to the fi nal Web site. Throughout the project, be sure to show the Web pages
to the client and other team members for feedback and evaluation.
There are many possible paths in any creative process. As you gain experience in
planning, designing, and creating Web sites, you will fi nd that some things work better
than others. You will come up with your own ideas about the new NextBest Fest site's
goals, the target audience, and so on, and then compare them with those approved by
Gage. You will then evaluate how your plan is similar to and different from the fi nal
NextBest Fest site plan and consider the benefi ts and drawbacks of each plan.

To ensure a successful
project and a satisfied cli-
ent, make the client aware
of what to expect and
communicate effectively
with the client throughout
the process.

Creating a Plan for a New Web Site
• Determine the site goals and purpose.
• Identify the target audience.
• Conduct market research.
• Create end-user scenarios and assess end-user requirements.

Determining the Site Goals and Purpose
The fi rst question you should ask when you begin to plan a site is: What are the primary
goals and purpose for the Web site? A Web site can have one goal or many goals. The
goals should be in alignment with the stated purpose of the site. It is a good idea to
brainstorm with the client, in this case Gage, and create a list of all of the goals you can